When experiments become expressions

This sprawling Mumbai home celebrates India and the beauty of contrasts crafted by AND DESIGN CO

24 Mar 2025

Culture, colours and crafts. In Mumbai is a capacious 6,000 sq ft home where expressions of the homeowners through art and aesthetics are seen at every corner. But what happens when one has a passion for eclectic ways of seeing while the other finds comfort in simplicity and tradition? With the idea of ananda imbued in the very foundation of the home, the principal designers Archana and Rupesh Baid of AND DESIGN CO, describe it as a transcendental delight enveloping one in mystical beauty.

The home thus emerges as a playground, echoing an ancient demeanour but painted in modern hues. “Each detail, from artwork to artefacts, the intricate detailing of the wall panels to the inlays within the floor tiles embodies the essence of ‘rasa’ in Indian aesthetics, designing an atmosphere of enchanting mysticism,” express Archana and Rupesh.

The old and new language of crafts

Dubbed Modern Mythos, the home finds individuality in contrasting design aspirations with handcrafted traditional elements and vibrant colours at the fore. The foyer stuns with a mirrored ceiling, bevelled frames, and a striking Irish chandelier, layering the space with opulence. In the expansive living area, a grand console imitates the scale of the space. A closer look unveils a curated collection of animal sculptures, wooden horses, sculpted face masks, and decorative figurines—each reflecting the husband’s deep admiration for cultural heritage.

Traditional wall paintings further enrich the setting, weaving together a rich tapestry of textures.“From hand-carved wooden details to bespoke furniture pieces with vintage-inspired contours, the space celebrates the charm of bygone eras without feeling dated,” reveal Archana and Rupesh.

Glimmering traditions

The hallway leads to the private quarters of the home, introducing the pooja room. Adorned with intricate thikri work, the space showcases craftsmanship through a lens that is both intimate and luxurious. “This is a tribute to the husband’s ethnic roots, brought to life through white marble and a glass inlay work—pristine and symbolic, making it a fitting concept for the space,” Rupesh explains the use of thikri in the pooja room.

Inlay work recurs throughout the home, bringing sophistication and a deep reverence for craftsmanship. This is best seen in the powder room, where marble and brass come together in a deliberate expression of luxury. Delicate floral motifs unfurl across the floor while a bespoke lotus-shaped marble washbasin echoes the grandeur of historic mahals.

Bars gone baroque

An experience indeed, the residence wraps in it not one or two, but three bespoke bars. A homage to material artistry, each bar engages with the senses with its visual and tactile canvas. The den, a sensory delight, extends into an opulent lounge where a brass repoussé bar unit invites indulgence. At the other end of this crafted spectrum of moods put together for the home, the designers bring a refreshing contrast with a breezy open-air morning bar. An ultra-luxe bar is in view where traditional stone carvings dramatically interplay against a lush green wall.

The living room bar is nothing short of drama, instantly evoking the opulence of Mayfair’s private clubs. Art Deco’s signature elegance is on full display with a backlit Marquina marble bar commanding attention, framed by mother-of-pearl shutters and custom brass handles. Designed for both grandeur and everyday living, the bars are designed to entertain in style.

A statement in every detail

Beyond private repose, the home redefines entertainment and comfort through a variety of spatial treatments. Whether through the hand-beaten brass repoussé bar, the intricate thikri work in the pooja room, or the luminous mother-of-pearl accents, the home is a testament to the homeowners’ personalities. AND DESIGN CO brings to life a thoughtfully crafted narrative of contrasts, experiments and curated extravagance. As Archana and Rupesh put it “This experience reaffirmed that design is as much about the details you add as it is about the spaces you leave open to evolve.”